§ 49. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government the number and value of applications for loan sanction in respect of private street works made by the Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council from the beginning of this year to the latest date for which figures are available; and what quantity of works he has authorised.
§ Mr. PowellThree applications, for sums totalling £7,120, have been received. All were rejected.
§ 50. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what 29 local inquiries are made by his Department before he refuses to sanction applications for loans in respect of private street works.
§ Mr. PowellNone, Sir, unless the local authority makes a case which indicates that the street or streets in question may be dangerous to health or safety. In such cases, a visit by an engineering inspector may be arranged.
§ Mr. SwinglerWill the Parliamentary Secretary ensure that local authorities concerned in this matter are informed of this procedure and asked to state the relative urgency of the works involved? Is he aware that his Department's indiscriminate rejection of loan sanction for private street works at present is extremely inefficient, and means that a great number of dangers to health and traffic will continue to exist?
§ Mr. PowellThe rejection of applications is not indiscriminate, but has regard to the terms of my right hon. Friend's circular of 17th February. In the cases which the hon. Member has in mind, no representations from the local authority have been received since the refusal. But no doubt this Question and answer will draw attention to the matter of inspection.
§ Mr. MitchisonDoes that answer mean that the indiscriminate, or somewhat indiscriminate, refusal of loan sanction for these private street works is a temporary matter, and is going to be reviewed at the end of six months?
§ Mr. PowellThe hon. and learned Gentleman will be aware of the terms of my right hon. Friend's circular, under which these applications are dealt with.